Taoiseach Enda Kenny has suffered a humiliating defeat as the people rejected his plan to scrap the Seanad.

In a victory for this paper and democracy, the Upper House was saved from the chop and voters halted the power grab by the Government.

The result is a massive blow to the Taoiseach, who spearheaded the campaign but refused to take part in any debates on the vote.

Independent Senator Sean Barrett has called for Enda Kenny to resign because he had spent millions on an “ego trip”.

He said: “I think he should [resign]. There is no green paper, no white paper. He never comes into the Senate anyway, just one hour a year.”

The results of the ballot were tight with 51.7% voting in favour of saving the Upper House and 48.3% demanding it be abolished.

They showed 28 constituencies – including every Dublin constituency, Donegal North and South and Cork North Central – voted No.

More than 1,240,729 people – 39% of the population – cast their vote on Friday but 14,355 votes were spoiled after writing on the ballot paper.

Some demanded reform, while one wrote “Weapon of Mass Distraction” on theirs.

DISAPPOINTED

Taoiseach Enda Kenny (Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins Agency)

Taoiseach Enda Kenny admitted he was “personally disappointed” and this was a “wallop” for the Government.

He said: “Sometimes in politics you get a wallop in the electoral process. I accept the verdict of the people.

“I also say in humility accepting the verdict that I think there is a virtue in actually being able to stand in front of the people and say, ‘I did say four years ago I would ask you this question, we have honoured that commitment in full, you have given our verdict and decision and I accept it fully’.”

The Irish Mirror had campaigned to save the Seanad and urged voters not to hand overwhelming power to a single chamber Dail.

The result proves voters will not be rolled over by the powers that be and will fight to retain democracy.

The vote had been too close to call but it was obvious the No side was victorious from early on.

The decision by the Taoiseach not to take part in any interviews or debates appeared to be a critical turning point in the referendum.

Fianna Fail’s Billy Kelleher said it was cowardly decision by Mr Kenny and could have swung the decision against the Government.

He addedd: “The biggest loser is the Taoiseach, this was his referendum. The fact he wouldn’t come out and debate it, people are saying don’t take us for fools.”

His party’s Director of Elections Niall Collins said this was a massive blow to the Taoiseach.

He added: “This was his pet project, he conceived this at a time when he was under pressure politically. It was populist.

“The position that you won’t get political reform unless you scrap the Seanad was also a factor.”

Fine Gael sources admitted this was a massive blow to the party’s leadership and knives began being carved for Mr Kenny.

One source said backbenchers were sent out be “slaughtered” while he hid away from the big debates.

Senator David Norris said the Seanad had now found its teeth and urged him to come visit the Upper House once in a while. He added: “This was an expensive mistake. Why do you waste €20million on this?

“Take the Senate seriously, come into the Seanad once in a while, find out where it is and come and visit. Listen to the wisdom.”

Mr Norris said reform was now the only option and he outlined why he believes elitism deserves its place in the Upper House.

He added: “We want experts. I have liver cancer. I went to speak to John Crown and speak to the people in St Vincent’s Hospital.

“I didn’t go into local butchers and say tell me what you know about liver, show me a slice, will one fit me? Not at all, that wold be nonsense.

“I went to the experts on cancer and I think we need as many experts in the Upper House on behalf of the people.”

Labour appeared to be unfazed by the decision because it considered it Fine Gael’s brainchild.

Party leader Eamon Gilmore said reform would now be on the agenda and said it could now be sent to the Constitutional Convention.

And he confirmed there was no chance it would go back to the public for a second vote.

Mr Gilmore added: “A decision has been made, this was a straightforward proposition. It is not the same as some complicated treaty, this was a straight Yes or No.

“A decision has been made and that decision stands.”

Mr Gilmore denied this had anything to do with the Taoiseach ducking and diving from the issue.

His coalition colleague Mr Kenny said he now needed to decide how it could be more effective.

The Taoiseach said: “The process of change in politics is something we are going to continue with.

“It is important now to assess how the Seanad can contribute effectively to that process of reform.”

This was Mr Kenny’s brainchild since 2009 when he announced his plans to scrap the Seanad at a Fine Gael dinner.

He said: “It is not about parties, it’s not about leaders, it is not about Government.